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Makes you want to play it! Japanese rock with the coolest guitar riffs

Music writer / guitarist / Certified web writing practitionerHoshino Takashi
Drawing on over 30 years of experience with guitars and bands since my high school days, I specialize in music-related articles and have handled many feature pieces to date. While my tastes lean toward genres like hard rock and heavy metal since I first picked up the guitar, I make a point of listening to a wide range of styles, both Japanese and Western, on a daily basis. I began working as a freelance writer in 2018. I hold a Web Writing Practical Certification, and in addition to writing, I’m also studying video editing. In my private life, I’m raising an elementary school child and stay active while supporting their extracurriculars, such as parkour and dance.
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

For guitarists, the spotlight—the very face of a song—is the guitar riff.

Songs with riffs that symbolize the track really stick in your memory, and many classic hits in the rock scene come hand in hand with amazing riffs!

In this article, we’ve rounded up a bunch of songs with killer guitar riffs.

Just listening to cool riffs is enough to get your blood pumping, but if you’re a guitarist, why not pick up your guitar and try playing along?

There aren’t just single-note phrases—there are riffs built around power chords and octaves too, so try tackling all kinds of riffs from different songs!

Makes You Want to Play It! Japanese Rock with the Coolest Guitar Riffs (61–70)

PearlTHE YELLOW MONKEY

THE YELLOW MONKEY – Pearl

PearlTHE YELLOW MONKEY

It’s a rock number with a distinctive atmosphere and an impressive sense of drive.

It’s a song by THE YELLOW MONKEY, released in 2000.

The deep lyrics feel like a metaphor for a journey in search of something lost, and the worldview delicately portrays loneliness and emotional instability.

The striking guitar riff stands out within the band’s sound and has an addictive quality you won’t forget once you hear it.

The balance between the fast-paced sound and the melodic vocals is also exquisite.

It’s a perfect track for driving on the highway at night.

Be sure to give it a spin!

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Please, Time MachineSadisutikku Mika Bando

ROLLY / Please, Time Machine (full version)

Please, Time MachineSadisutikku Mika Bando

Sadistic Mika Band, produced by Chris Thomas, who was a hit-making producer in the 1970s.

For a Japanese band of the time, they had an exceptionally modern sensibility, and in reference to their album title Kurofune (Black Ship), Western media dubbed them the “arrival of the Black Ships.” Even today, Time Machine ni Onegai doesn’t sound dated.

The frontman was Kazuhiko Kato.

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todayyyyy[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – todayyyyy (MV)

todayyyyy[Alexandros]

The emotional guitar riff leaves a strong impression.

It’s a song by the four-piece rock band [Alexandros].

Yohei Kawakami’s expansive vocals and the melodious sound make it a truly pleasant track.

Released in December 2023, it drew attention as a collaboration with the popular game Monster Strike.

The lyrics, which depict everyday life and the hope of chasing dreams, feel as if they’re speaking directly to you.

It’s a perfect feel-good anthem to blow away the blues and lift your spirits.

Be sure to play it with all you’ve got!

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COLD BEATZAZEN BOYS

ZAZEN BOYS – COLD BEAT @ THE MATSURI SESSION

COLD BEATZAZEN BOYS

ZAZEN BOYS’ tracks are captivating for their sharp tone, distinctive sense of rhythm, and an addictive musicality that hooks you after a single listen.

Within the cohesive band sound, the tight guitar riffs really electrify.

And you can fully immerse yourself in the mysterious lyrical world crafted by vocalist Hidetomo Mukai.

From uncanny, dreamlike images—like supernatural phenomena set against the shifting hours of dusk, midnight, or dawn—you’ll sense the extraordinary lurking within the everyday and the hidden mystique of moments that are easy to overlook.

This track is included on the 2004 album “ZAZEN BOYS II.”

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Jaguar’13Haruahata Michiya

Michiya Haruhata “JAGUAR ’13” Music Video [Fuji TV Baseball Broadcast Theme Song]

Jaguar'13Haruahata Michiya

An instrumental track released under the solo name of Michiya Haruhata from TUBE.

The phrases carry a refined sense of speed—like a jaguar sprinting across the grasslands.

The tight rhythm born of his overwhelming technique is truly stunning.

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